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"It's where we pick, pack and ship our customer orders," spokeswoman Kelly Cheeseman said last month. "We've never offered tours to the public before."

The warehouse is one of four in the Phoenix area. Hundreds of employees fill the place at any given time. Rows of merchandise stretch across the massive space.

"We are excited to show the community what happens," Cheeseman said. "There is so much technology behind the scenes."

A group of about 50 children and their parents from the Estrella Youth Sports league recently visited the center, said Dale Kamarata, league director. He said he was awed by the sheer size of the facility, the technology, and the friendliness of employees.

"Everybody got a wireless headset, and the tour guide (Cheeseman) had a wireless headset with a microphone," Kamarata said.

My e-mail from Pandey told me I am a "VIP" and will have reserved parking spots in front of the building.

Pandey also suggested we arrive 15 minutes early, use the restrooms before the tour and wear flat, closed-toe, closed-heel shoes such as sneakers. We won't be allowed to photograph the warehouse and can only bring a wallet, cellphone and car keys during our look around, Pandey said, among other suggestions.

Phoenix has one of six Amazon fulfillment centers nationwide that will be holding tours, Cheeseman said.

Amazon employs more than 3,500 people full time in the four Phoenix fulfillment centers, Cheeseman said.

"These are great for customers who want to see what happens after they click "Buy" on Amazon and also for teachers for classrooms, for example, if they are studying science, technology or algorithms, since those are utilized within our buildings," she said.